Defence will work with US not-for-profit organisation RoboNation to deliver the competition, which will include networking opportunities between industry and STEM talent in academia.

The event will be supported by the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre, which will supply a range of obstacle course challenges.

Challenges facilitated at RobotX will be funded by Defence’s Next Generation Technologies Fund, in partnership with RoboNation and the US Office of Naval Research.

The biennial event involves teams made up of students from multiple engineering disciplines from universities across the world.

Previous participants in the event have included Australia, the US, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China and Singapore.

“Through our international alliances, Australia and our partners are developing the next generation of robotics specialists,” Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said.

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“This competition enables students, academic institutions and industry partners to focus on the challenges of maritime autonomy – one of the fastest growing industrial pursuits of our time.

“Robotic autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) will play an increasing role in future Australian Defence Force capability.”

Minister Price said the event forms part of the Royal Australian Navy’s RAS-AI Strategy 2040, which aims to encourages engagement in experimentation, co-operation and innovation at all levels.

“RobotX is a perfect environment for students to develop the skills necessary to support the future capability needs,” the minister added.

“I would encourage Australian businesses and universities to test themselves by being involved in this event.”

[Related: Australia concludes support of International Maritime Security Construct]

Charbel Kadib

Author

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.

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